New 'Star Wars' Animated Series to Launch on Disney Channel in 2014

May 21, 2013 04:57:44 GMT

'Star Wars Rebels' will cover the events in between 'Episode III: Revenge of the Sith' and 'Episode IV: A New Hope' which span 19 years.

The "Star Wars" realm is going to be brought back on the small screen. After Cartoon Network canceled "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" last month, Lucasfilm is now teaming up with Disney to bring a new animated series in the popular sci-fi franchise, "Star Wars Rebels". The project has been greenlighted by Disney and will debut as a one-hour special on Disney Channel in fall 2014 before airing as a full-fledged TV series on Disney XD.

"Star Wars Rebels" takes place between the events of "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" and "Episode IV: A New Hope". It is set "in a time where the Empire is securing its grip on the galaxy and hunting down the last of the Jedi Knights as a fledgling rebellion against the Empire is taking shape."

"The entire team at Lucasfilm has provided extraordinary creativity and innovation for over three decades, and we're thrilled to be bringing the expansive and imaginative world of Star Wars to Disney XD's viewers," says Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer for Disney Channels Worldwide.

Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, adds, "I couldn't be more excited to explore new corners of the Star Wars universe. I think Star Wars Rebels will capture the look, feel and fun that both kids and their parents love about Star Wars."

Simon Kinberg will executive produce the new series and write the premiere episode. Dave Filoni and Greg Weisman are also on board as the executive producers. First look at the new show will be unveiled at Star Wars Celebration Europe, which will take place on July 26-28 in Messe Essen, Germany.

"Star Wars Rebels" is part of Lucasfilm's plans to "pursue a new direction in animated programming" following the cancellation of "The Clone Wars". The studio also decided to delay the release of "Star Wars: Detours", a new animated comedy from Seth Green, Todd Grimes and Matthew Senreich, mulling "whether launching an animated comedy prior to the launch of [Star Wars] Episode 7 makes sense."